Bioko Island Drill Excursion
Starting November 2026
Dates Announced
One of Africa's Rarest Wildlife Expeditions
Ethical wildlife photography, jungle/coastline backpacking, primate listing and birding within a biodiversity hotspot
Spend up to 17 days exploring one of the continent's least-visited biodiversity hotspots with me, Justin Jay. I’m a filmmaker and conservationist who first documented wild drills for international television to advocate for their protection. And today we are still proud to be working with the government of EG and local communities to protect wild drills. While on remote Bioko Island we will track endangered primates, photograph rare wildlife, camp on black sand beaches, and experience a side of Africa that very few people will ever see.
Use professional fieldcraft techniques in search of endangered drill monkeys, red colobus, turacos, picathartes, and more, deep within the Southern Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve.
Small groups only—maximum of 4 people per trip.
Remote rainforest trekking, volcanic coastlines.
Leatherback and Green sea turtle nesting beaches.
Local guides, field-tested logistics, and “leave no trace” primitive camping under the stars.
Proud Parterns with Basile Travel SL, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Expedition Options
Southern Bioko Wildlife Expedition (7–14 Days)
Journey into the untouched rainforests of Southern Bioko, home to some of Africa's rarest wildlife. Track wild drills, red colobus monkeys, sea turtles, and countless endemic species while staying in our remote rainforest camp. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurous travelers seeking an authentic conservation expedition.
Complete Bioko Expedition (17 days)
Experience the very best of Bioko Island on our most comprehensive adventure. From the cloud forests of Pico Basile and the volcanic landscapes of Moka to the remote beaches and rainforests of the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve, this expedition combines breathtaking scenery, exceptional wildlife, and the island's rich culture into one unforgettable journey.
Private & Custom Expeditions (Flexible Duration)
Looking for something unique? We offer tailor-made expeditions for photographers, filmmakers, researchers, conservation organizations, universities, and private groups. Whether your focus is a specific species, wildlife photography, documentary production, or scientific research, we'll build a custom itinerary around your goals while providing expert local knowledge and logistical support.
Meet the Drill
(Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis)
With estimates as low as 5,000 individuals left in the wild, the drill is one of the world’s largest and least-known primate species. For three million years, they have shaped the forests of this part of West/Central Africa, where their range extends from Cameroon to Nigeria. Today, the Bioko Island subspecies continues to struggle against bushmeat hunting and deforestation, even as we work to protect them within the Gran Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve.
Be one of the few people in the world to see a drill in the wild, and try your hand at photographing this remarkable species in its natural habitat, without disturbing it. Your images can help inspire global awareness and demonstrate to local communities the value of preserving this extraordinary animal.
From November 2026 to March 2027, we’re leading one excursion per month into the Gran Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve.
Each trip begins where the road ends, backpacking along Bioko’s remote southern coastline until we reach our base camp. From there we move on foot through a rainforest and coastline ecosystem home to 11 species of primates, 4 species of nesting sea turtles, and over 200 species of birds.
Nights are spent camping in the forest or on the beach and cooking over a fire. Our target species are endangered primates that are going extinct. Few photos of them in the wild exist.
This is not glamping. These expeditions are for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts with backcountry experience who want to raise awareness for biodiversity and endangered species.
We use the same fieldcraft methods I’ve developed for international broadcasters, tracking and filming wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
The species we encounter are endangered and disappearing. I welcome anyone who wants to experience the wild side of Equatorial Guinea and contribute to it’s conservation.
Whether you join us for a week in Southern Bioko or a complete island expedition, every journey supports conservation through The Drill Project and our local partners.
Trip Details
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November 22 - Dec 6
December 20 - Jan 2
January 8–25
February 6–21 ( Full)
March 1–14
Bespoke trips and custom dates available.
+1-843-991-3442 Whatsapp
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Our expeditions are designed around wildlife opportunities rather than rigid tour schedules. Every departure is customized to the interests of the group while maintaining a small footprint inside the Gran Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve.
Typical expedition options
• Southern Bioko Expedition — 7–10 days
Focused on the remote southern rainforest, wildlife photography hides, rainforest trekking, and sea turtle nesting beaches.• Complete Bioko Expedition — 17 days
An island-wide journey combining Southern Bioko with Pico Basile, Moka Highlands, Lago Biao, waterfalls, Bubi culture, and the best wildlife locations across the island.Pricing depends on group size, itinerary, and logistics.
A €1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your reservation, with the remaining balance due 21 days before departure.
Private departures and custom expeditions are always available.
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Maximum 4 participants. Small groups allow us to minimize our impact on wildlife while maximizing photography opportunities and flexibility in the field.
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Visa Support
In-Country Transportation: We offer a transport service from Malabo Airport to the hotel and from there to the Southern Reserve. It’s on foot from there. We will employ an experienced local driver and porters who know the roads and trails of the park well.
Accommodation: Tent camping while in the reserve staying in one of three base camps along the uninhabited southern tropical coast. Hotel when in Malabo.
Food: Wholesome meals cooked over a campfire daily by talented local Bubi chefs using fresh, local produce and traditional recipes, combined with dining out in some of the country's best restaurants.
Wildlife Photography Excursion: Guided wildlife tracking using the same fieldcraft techniques developed while filming natural history documentaries.
Support: Expedition leadership by Justin Jay and experienced local field staff, including guides, porters and logistics support throughout the expedition.
Permit coordination
Conservation fees
Camping equipment
Airport transfers
Hotel accommodation in Malabo
Satellite communication and emergency planning
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Airfare
Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel, medical and evacuation insurance. This will cover things like illness, flight cancellations, theft, etc.
Alcohol and personal purchases
Optional activities outside the itinerary
Gratuities (optional)
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We strongly recommend consulting a travel medicine clinic before departure, as vaccination recommendations may change.
Yellow Fever: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Equatorial Guinea. Ensure you have the Yellow Fever booklet with the vaccination stamp, as you will need to present it at immigration upon arrival.
Typhoid: Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for those engaging in activities with potential contact with blood or bodily fluids.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: Ensure you are up-to-date on these routine vaccinations.
Malaria Prophylaxis: While not a vaccine, antimalarial medication is recommended due to the presence of malaria in many parts of Equatorial Guinea.
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We provide visa support throughout eVisa application process and supply all required invitation documents. Most visas are issued within approximately 7-10 days.
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Travelers must agree to Drill Film’s Booking Terms and Conditions in order to join this experience.
Due to the remote nature of the expedition, itinerary changes may occur because of weather, wildlife activity, road conditions or conservation priorities.
DRILL FILMS LLC
Reservations
Ready to join the field team?
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon with trip details, availability, and a personalized quote. We look forward to hearing from you.
DRILL FILMS LLC
